Comments on: How to Stop Junk Mail in Its Trackshttp://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/04/24/how-to-stop-junk-mail-in-its-tracks/
Common sense advice on money saving tips, how to get out of debt, high interest savings accounts, cd rates, money market accounts, mortgage rates, money management and more.Tue, 03 Mar 2015 22:20:35 +0000hourly1http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.1By: carriehttp://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/04/24/how-to-stop-junk-mail-in-its-tracks/comment-page-2/#comment-1229442
carrieFri, 04 Mar 2011 12:00:51 +0000http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=1763#comment-1229442regarding all of you who have complained about junk in your post office box and at home, redplum.com is the organization who does that, and I despise them. go to their website, and remove yourself from their mailing. I did it for my home mailbox..took about two months to stop. however, the post office box was even more annoying because they shove them in there (and postal clerks say they must) and if you don't go pick up mail for more than a week, you can't even get your hand in the box, which is why I no longer rent a p.o.box. Redplum.com pays the post office to do this and I wish they would all drop dead and stop making our lives hell with this needless junk.regarding all of you who have complained about junk in your post office box and at home, redplum.com is the organization who does that, and I despise them. go to their website, and remove yourself from their mailing. I did it for my home mailbox..took about two months to stop. however, the post office box was even more annoying because they shove them in there (and postal clerks say they must) and if you don’t go pick up mail for more than a week, you can’t even get your hand in the box, which is why I no longer rent a p.o.box. Redplum.com pays the post office to do this and I wish they would all drop dead and stop making our lives hell with this needless junk.

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]]>By: Maryhttp://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/04/24/how-to-stop-junk-mail-in-its-tracks/comment-page-2/#comment-216116
MaryThu, 31 Dec 2009 21:17:32 +0000http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=1763#comment-216116James Calfee,
First, I was receiving AT&T postal mail solicitations addressed to a woman that used to live at my address, but has not lived there for over 3 years. I assume this woman had or has an account with AT&T because I do not have an AT&T account. I called the toll free number on the mailing and asked for the mailings to stop and was told it was taken care of. Instead, I am now receiving mailings to Current Resident at my address. I called the toll free number again and asked for the mailings to stop, but was told I had to provide my phone number. I do not have a land line, and my cell phone is with a different provider, not AT&T. I refused to disclose my cell phone number, so I was asked for my name. I did not provide my name, explaining that the solicitations were addressed to Current Resident. I was told by the AT&T representative that they could not stop the mailings without either a phone number or a name. I asked to speak to supervisor and was told that they were all in a meeting (sounded like a lie to me) and that if I gave my phone number they would call me back. Again, I am not comfortable disclosing my cell phone number, so I ended the call.
I did several hours of digging on the internet looking for answers and advice. I searched through the privacy policy at AT&T.com and ended up calling this number: 1-800-331-0500. The woman I spoke to gave me two options. I could either submit my information online or write to an Opt Out address. So here's the info:
https://attdns.acxiom.com/
AT&T Opt Out Request
5565 Glen Ridge Connector
Suite 1230C
Atlanta, GA 30342-4756
I chose to use the online form. You have the option of leaving boxes blank, such as your phone number and email address. I also was able to enter "Current Resident" for the name instead of my name.
It took me 3 phone calls and over an hour of digging on the internet to get this information. Spread the word!James Calfee,

First, I was receiving AT&T postal mail solicitations addressed to a woman that used to live at my address, but has not lived there for over 3 years. I assume this woman had or has an account with AT&T because I do not have an AT&T account. I called the toll free number on the mailing and asked for the mailings to stop and was told it was taken care of. Instead, I am now receiving mailings to Current Resident at my address. I called the toll free number again and asked for the mailings to stop, but was told I had to provide my phone number. I do not have a land line, and my cell phone is with a different provider, not AT&T. I refused to disclose my cell phone number, so I was asked for my name. I did not provide my name, explaining that the solicitations were addressed to Current Resident. I was told by the AT&T representative that they could not stop the mailings without either a phone number or a name. I asked to speak to supervisor and was told that they were all in a meeting (sounded like a lie to me) and that if I gave my phone number they would call me back. Again, I am not comfortable disclosing my cell phone number, so I ended the call.

I did several hours of digging on the internet looking for answers and advice. I searched through the privacy policy at AT&T.com and ended up calling this number: 1-800-331-0500. The woman I spoke to gave me two options. I could either submit my information online or write to an Opt Out address. So here’s the info:

I chose to use the online form. You have the option of leaving boxes blank, such as your phone number and email address. I also was able to enter “Current Resident” for the name instead of my name.

It took me 3 phone calls and over an hour of digging on the internet to get this information. Spread the word!

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]]>By: James Calfeehttp://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/04/24/how-to-stop-junk-mail-in-its-tracks/comment-page-2/#comment-202763
James CalfeeMon, 19 Oct 2009 23:43:40 +0000http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=1763#comment-202763What if the 1500 form fails to work?
I have to go to the next step. AT&T refuses to stop mailing me. I have turned them in over 10 times. I even have a letter from the classification center that says they turned it over to the judge. Months went by and this weekend: another mail piece.
I'm about to file that with the classification center AGAIN and this time write the Postmaster General. As of October 2009, AT&T will flat out refuse mail removal requests over the phone (try it). This is the reason why I had to go the 1500 route. I'm glad I did though, I found a really suborn company; just what I am after.
Legally, what can I do next?What if the 1500 form fails to work?

I have to go to the next step. AT&T refuses to stop mailing me. I have turned them in over 10 times. I even have a letter from the classification center that says they turned it over to the judge. Months went by and this weekend: another mail piece.

I’m about to file that with the classification center AGAIN and this time write the Postmaster General. As of October 2009, AT&T will flat out refuse mail removal requests over the phone (try it). This is the reason why I had to go the 1500 route. I’m glad I did though, I found a really suborn company; just what I am after.

Legally, what can I do next?

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]]>By: John Ahttp://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/04/24/how-to-stop-junk-mail-in-its-tracks/comment-page-2/#comment-179826
John ASun, 17 May 2009 09:35:02 +0000http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=1763#comment-179826To stop my junkmail I do something similar to Earth Class, I get it sent overseas! Companies dont like to send advertising overseas! http://www.privatebox.co.nz They seem to do a very good job!To stop my junkmail I do something similar to Earth Class, I get it sent overseas! Companies dont like to send advertising overseas! http://www.privatebox.co.nz They seem to do a very good job!

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]]>By: Maxhttp://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/04/24/how-to-stop-junk-mail-in-its-tracks/comment-page-2/#comment-154749
MaxTue, 04 Nov 2008 01:48:47 +0000http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=1763#comment-154749Thanks for the post.
You can also sign do not mail petition ( like Do Not Call National Petition)
I did some search online and this is the best resource so far available online ( correct me if I am wrong). I have done this 5 months ago and my mailbox is literally empty ( I have paperless billing and also opted out from various mail lists) I check my mail twice a month now. It is beautiful. ( What a freedom).
I even took the letter from samples provided and wrote it to a local Chinese restaurant that keeps putting fliers in my door. They stopped too in the whole subdivision.
Save the time for yourself.
http://awakening.weebly.com/stop-junk-mail.html
I even opted out from the yellow book. What do I need it for, since the internet is right here.Thanks for the post.

You can also sign do not mail petition ( like Do Not Call National Petition)

I did some search online and this is the best resource so far available online ( correct me if I am wrong). I have done this 5 months ago and my mailbox is literally empty ( I have paperless billing and also opted out from various mail lists) I check my mail twice a month now. It is beautiful. ( What a freedom).

I even took the letter from samples provided and wrote it to a local Chinese restaurant that keeps putting fliers in my door. They stopped too in the whole subdivision.

I even opted out from the yellow book. What do I need it for, since the internet is right here.

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]]>By: Stevehttp://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/04/24/how-to-stop-junk-mail-in-its-tracks/comment-page-2/#comment-146336
SteveSat, 30 Aug 2008 01:51:39 +0000http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=1763#comment-146336I have used MyJunkTree.com also and found it to be very helpful in stopping my junk mail and how I hear you can stop Charities also on there site.I have used MyJunkTree.com also and found it to be very helpful in stopping my junk mail and how I hear you can stop Charities also on there site.

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]]>By: Tim Henryhttp://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/04/24/how-to-stop-junk-mail-in-its-tracks/comment-page-2/#comment-133573
Tim HenryFri, 23 May 2008 08:42:25 +0000http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=1763#comment-133573I use the services of MyJunkTree.com to stop all my unwanted junk mail, catalogs, weekly coupons and even the phone books that were so annoying. They even make it easy for me to get my free annual credit report and remind me every four months to get a new one. You can get one from each agency once a year, basically one every four months. You sure limit your exposure to identity theft this way. Great easy to use site.I use the services of MyJunkTree.com to stop all my unwanted junk mail, catalogs, weekly coupons and even the phone books that were so annoying. They even make it easy for me to get my free annual credit report and remind me every four months to get a new one. You can get one from each agency once a year, basically one every four months. You sure limit your exposure to identity theft this way. Great easy to use site.

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]]>By: Jaysonhttp://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/04/24/how-to-stop-junk-mail-in-its-tracks/comment-page-2/#comment-130124
JaysonThu, 01 May 2008 02:16:02 +0000http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=1763#comment-130124In addition to the Direct Marketing Association (DMA) services (and several others), there is another little-advertised means of stopping unwanted postal advertisements from reaching your mailbox.
This is the only method of stopping unwanted mail at its source where you do not have to pay money other than postage. And, it is 100 percent effective.
Pursuant to federal law (Title 39 USC § 3008), a postal addressee who receives an unsolicited (or solicited) advertisement offering for sale matter that, in the addressee’s sole discretion, is “erotically arousing or sexually provocative,” may, by completing PS Form 1500, obtain a Prohibitory Order from the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) directing the mailer to refrain from making further mailings to that addressee.
The key phrase is “…in the addressee’s sole discretion…” For example, if a pizza advertisement strikes you as sexually provocative, you can use the Prohibitory Order process to stop the mailings.
Should the mailer (vendor) continue sending mail after receiving the USPS Prohibitory Order, the USPS turns the matter over to the United States Department of Justice for prosecution. The Justice Department is responsible for prosecuting violations of postal related laws.
While the law, the form and the USPS instructions for using the form were originally intended for sexually explicit and provocative mail, the U.S. Supreme Court, in a decision - Rowan vs. U.S. Post Office Department, 397 U.S. 728 (1970) - ruled that the law under Title 39 USC § 4009 (now 39 USC § 3008) includes all unwanted commercial mail. Thus, PS Form 1500 is no longer used just for sexually explicit or provocative mail - although it still reads as such.
Why the USPS or Congress has not changed the law, the form or the instructions to reflect the Supreme Court decision in the past 37 years is a another conundrum that begs to be answered.
Nevertheless, do not be intimidated or confused by the instructions, the form or the law.
If you have been receiving unwanted direct mail advertisements and you no longer want to receive them, simply go to the below website, print out the form and instructions, fill in the form, sign it, and mail it to the U. S. Postal Service at the address shown below.
Shortly (experience indicates about 15 days after USPS receipt of the application), you will receive a letter advising you of the USPS action taken. Do not be confused by the letter's wording - it all relates to sexual mail that you decided you did not want. Just think of your unwanted advertisements as sexually explicit mail.
Use the below website to obtain PS Form 1500 and the instructions for completion:
http://www.usps.com/forms/_pdf/ps1500.pdf
Action Steps:
1. Open the advertising envelope or wrapper (if there is one), take out all the contents and attach everything, including the envelope or wrapper, to the form. The USPS WILL NOT accept unopened envelopes or wrappers. Put all this into another envelope.
2. Send your PS Form 1500 and material directly to:
Pricing and Classification Service Center
US Postal Service
PO Box 1500
New York NY 10008-1500
You may need a large envelope for this step.
It is not necessary to give the form to your postmaster, as proposed in the USPS instructions as that office will only send it to the above address. Also, there have been reports that some Post Offices do not even know about the form or the process.
3. Mark your calendar about 15 days out from the date you mail your form to USPS. If you do not receive a response by the date you expect to receive it, start squawking. You can start here:
Pricing and Classification Service Center (PCSC)
Tel. 212-330-5300
FAX: 212-330-5330
4. If you don't get prompt service from PCSC folks, report this directly to the Postmaster General at:
Postmaster General
U.S. Postal Service
475 L’Enfant Plaza, SW
Washington, DC 20260-1000
Tel. 202-268-2020 FAX: 202-268-5211
5. After you receive your copy of the USPS Prohibitory Order, mark your calendar again in accordance with the 30-day period explained in the letter. If, after the 30-day period, you receive mail that appears to have been sent in violation of the prohibitory order, open it and write clearly on the envelope and all its contents a statement that you received it and the date of receipt. For example, "I received this mailpiece on April 5, 2007." Apply your signature below your statement. Include a photocopy of your prohibitory order, if possible, or a notation of the order number and send the mailpiece to the address noted in paragraph 2., above.
Additional information:
a. The USPS disposes of (translation: throws in trash) all unwanted third class mail - now called "Standard Mail” - that you mark "refused" or "return to sender." Nearly all advertisements are Standard Mail. So, if it is your desire to help reduce waste, this method is not an option.
b. Use of the DMA opt-out services is somewhat successful, though not all advertisers belong to the DMA. Many nonmembers are the ignoble companies that Americans want to eliminate the most. Moreover, the DMA preference list is a blanket utility, i.e., not selective. “You cannot pick and choose which advertising mail you want to eliminate.” So, if you still want to receive catalogs from companies you have done business with, this is not a good option.In addition to the Direct Marketing Association (DMA) services (and several others), there is another little-advertised means of stopping unwanted postal advertisements from reaching your mailbox.

This is the only method of stopping unwanted mail at its source where you do not have to pay money other than postage. And, it is 100 percent effective.

Pursuant to federal law (Title 39 USC § 3008), a postal addressee who receives an unsolicited (or solicited) advertisement offering for sale matter that, in the addressee’s sole discretion, is “erotically arousing or sexually provocative,” may, by completing PS Form 1500, obtain a Prohibitory Order from the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) directing the mailer to refrain from making further mailings to that addressee.

The key phrase is “…in the addressee’s sole discretion…” For example, if a pizza advertisement strikes you as sexually provocative, you can use the Prohibitory Order process to stop the mailings.

Should the mailer (vendor) continue sending mail after receiving the USPS Prohibitory Order, the USPS turns the matter over to the United States Department of Justice for prosecution. The Justice Department is responsible for prosecuting violations of postal related laws.

While the law, the form and the USPS instructions for using the form were originally intended for sexually explicit and provocative mail, the U.S. Supreme Court, in a decision – Rowan vs. U.S. Post Office Department, 397 U.S. 728 (1970) – ruled that the law under Title 39 USC § 4009 (now 39 USC § 3008) includes all unwanted commercial mail. Thus, PS Form 1500 is no longer used just for sexually explicit or provocative mail – although it still reads as such.

Why the USPS or Congress has not changed the law, the form or the instructions to reflect the Supreme Court decision in the past 37 years is a another conundrum that begs to be answered.

Nevertheless, do not be intimidated or confused by the instructions, the form or the law.

If you have been receiving unwanted direct mail advertisements and you no longer want to receive them, simply go to the below website, print out the form and instructions, fill in the form, sign it, and mail it to the U. S. Postal Service at the address shown below.

Shortly (experience indicates about 15 days after USPS receipt of the application), you will receive a letter advising you of the USPS action taken. Do not be confused by the letter’s wording – it all relates to sexual mail that you decided you did not want. Just think of your unwanted advertisements as sexually explicit mail.

Use the below website to obtain PS Form 1500 and the instructions for completion:

1. Open the advertising envelope or wrapper (if there is one), take out all the contents and attach everything, including the envelope or wrapper, to the form. The USPS WILL NOT accept unopened envelopes or wrappers. Put all this into another envelope.

2. Send your PS Form 1500 and material directly to:

Pricing and Classification Service Center
US Postal Service
PO Box 1500
New York NY 10008-1500

You may need a large envelope for this step.

It is not necessary to give the form to your postmaster, as proposed in the USPS instructions as that office will only send it to the above address. Also, there have been reports that some Post Offices do not even know about the form or the process.

3. Mark your calendar about 15 days out from the date you mail your form to USPS. If you do not receive a response by the date you expect to receive it, start squawking. You can start here:

5. After you receive your copy of the USPS Prohibitory Order, mark your calendar again in accordance with the 30-day period explained in the letter. If, after the 30-day period, you receive mail that appears to have been sent in violation of the prohibitory order, open it and write clearly on the envelope and all its contents a statement that you received it and the date of receipt. For example, “I received this mailpiece on April 5, 2007.” Apply your signature below your statement. Include a photocopy of your prohibitory order, if possible, or a notation of the order number and send the mailpiece to the address noted in paragraph 2., above.

Additional information:

a. The USPS disposes of (translation: throws in trash) all unwanted third class mail – now called “Standard Mail” – that you mark “refused” or “return to sender.” Nearly all advertisements are Standard Mail. So, if it is your desire to help reduce waste, this method is not an option.

b. Use of the DMA opt-out services is somewhat successful, though not all advertisers belong to the DMA. Many nonmembers are the ignoble companies that Americans want to eliminate the most. Moreover, the DMA preference list is a blanket utility, i.e., not selective. “You cannot pick and choose which advertising mail you want to eliminate.” So, if you still want to receive catalogs from companies you have done business with, this is not a good option.

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]]>By: Jayhttp://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/04/24/how-to-stop-junk-mail-in-its-tracks/comment-page-2/#comment-129481
JaySun, 27 Apr 2008 00:43:10 +0000http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=1763#comment-129481Yeah, telephone solicitations are our last frontier.
How about using one of those Zapper things on your phone to get rid of computerized calls? We've toyed with recording the "disconnected" signal at the beginning of our answering machine message.
Apparently some computerized telemarketer programs are set to automatically remove "disconnected" numbers from their rolls. So far haven't found a usable copy of that sound.....Yeah, telephone solicitations are our last frontier.
How about using one of those Zapper things on your phone to get rid of computerized calls? We’ve toyed with recording the “disconnected” signal at the beginning of our answering machine message.
Apparently some computerized telemarketer programs are set to automatically remove “disconnected” numbers from their rolls. So far haven’t found a usable copy of that sound…..

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]]>By: OiVeyhttp://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/04/24/how-to-stop-junk-mail-in-its-tracks/comment-page-1/#comment-129480
OiVeySun, 27 Apr 2008 00:21:58 +0000http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=1763#comment-129480We're on the do not call list and we've noticed a slight SLIGHT decrease. The problem is, the computerized telemarketers still call and when you get to a person, they're VERY rude when you ask to not be called. In order to report them, you have to know the name of the company that's calling. Often they will simply hang up on you when you ask. I'm not pleased with the Do not call program.We’re on the do not call list and we’ve noticed a slight SLIGHT decrease. The problem is, the computerized telemarketers still call and when you get to a person, they’re VERY rude when you ask to not be called. In order to report them, you have to know the name of the company that’s calling. Often they will simply hang up on you when you ask. I’m not pleased with the Do not call program.

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]]>By: Barbara Househttp://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/04/24/how-to-stop-junk-mail-in-its-tracks/comment-page-1/#comment-129407
Barbara HouseSat, 26 Apr 2008 06:02:49 +0000http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=1763#comment-129407Junk Mail is truly becoming an epidemic. I just spent the last 4 days researching ways to combat Junk Mail - for free. It doesn't have to be horribly time consuming, if you know where to go.
I just finished publishing a Squidoo Lens on this subject. Check out, but be warned - some of the information could make you as angry as I got researching it.
http://www.squidoo.com/do-not-mailJunk Mail is truly becoming an epidemic. I just spent the last 4 days researching ways to combat Junk Mail – for free. It doesn’t have to be horribly time consuming, if you know where to go.

I just finished publishing a Squidoo Lens on this subject. Check out, but be warned – some of the information could make you as angry as I got researching it.

]]>By: djchttp://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/04/24/how-to-stop-junk-mail-in-its-tracks/comment-page-1/#comment-129361
djcFri, 25 Apr 2008 19:39:05 +0000http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=1763#comment-129361@mike and susie -
To clarify - I have a lockable box that the mail carrier does use, and puts everything inside - however he puts the envelopes on the top of the flyers so sometimes you could wiggle your fingers in and reach the envelopes and pull them out again - that is what I am worried about.@mike and susie –

To clarify – I have a lockable box that the mail carrier does use, and puts everything inside – however he puts the envelopes on the top of the flyers so sometimes you could wiggle your fingers in and reach the envelopes and pull them out again – that is what I am worried about.

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]]>By: Willhttp://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/04/24/how-to-stop-junk-mail-in-its-tracks/comment-page-1/#comment-129337
WillFri, 25 Apr 2008 17:35:55 +0000http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=1763#comment-129337For an ultimate solution to junk mail, sign up for a national Do Not Mail Registry at donotmail.org .
The truly eye-popping facts:
Deforestation accounts for 20% of global carbon emissions.
US junk mail accounts for 30% of all the mail delivered in the world.
That, my friends, is insane. Why are we receiving nearly a third of the world's mail when we don't want it and never asked for it?
Some direct mailers are refusing to honor catalogchoice requests.
The DMA site is....an awful lot like the fox guarding the henhouse.
The direct mail industry is going to continue to want to capitalize on waste and our annoyance. Of course, someone out there wants the junk mail. But when a 0.25% response rate is sufficient for junk mailers, and they know that 99.75% of their product is just garabage, is this 20th century practice something that can help us meet the challenges of the 21st century?
donotmail.org
We need something enforceable. And Americans will demand a choice.For an ultimate solution to junk mail, sign up for a national Do Not Mail Registry at donotmail.org .

The truly eye-popping facts:

Deforestation accounts for 20% of global carbon emissions.

US junk mail accounts for 30% of all the mail delivered in the world.

That, my friends, is insane. Why are we receiving nearly a third of the world’s mail when we don’t want it and never asked for it?

Some direct mailers are refusing to honor catalogchoice requests.

The DMA site is….an awful lot like the fox guarding the henhouse.

The direct mail industry is going to continue to want to capitalize on waste and our annoyance. Of course, someone out there wants the junk mail. But when a 0.25% response rate is sufficient for junk mailers, and they know that 99.75% of their product is just garabage, is this 20th century practice something that can help us meet the challenges of the 21st century?

donotmail.org

We need something enforceable. And Americans will demand a choice.

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]]>By: ben @ Trees Full of Moneyhttp://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/04/24/how-to-stop-junk-mail-in-its-tracks/comment-page-1/#comment-129294
ben @ Trees Full of MoneyFri, 25 Apr 2008 14:34:18 +0000http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=1763#comment-129294Not sure if has already been mentioned but you can also call 1-888-5OPTOUT to have your name removed from pre-approved credit and insurance mailing lists.
Also, the fewer credit applications you get in the mail, the less chance thieves have of finding the forms and mailing them back on your behalf. You have the choice of opting out for 5 years or permanently. This one call will cover all 3 national credit reporting agencies.Not sure if has already been mentioned but you can also call 1-888-5OPTOUT to have your name removed from pre-approved credit and insurance mailing lists.

Also, the fewer credit applications you get in the mail, the less chance thieves have of finding the forms and mailing them back on your behalf. You have the choice of opting out for 5 years or permanently. This one call will cover all 3 national credit reporting agencies.

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]]>By: Natehttp://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/04/24/how-to-stop-junk-mail-in-its-tracks/comment-page-1/#comment-129236
NateFri, 25 Apr 2008 03:05:27 +0000http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=1763#comment-129236The po box thing looks interesting. I did the opt-out thing and have notice a reduction in mail offers.The po box thing looks interesting. I did the opt-out thing and have notice a reduction in mail offers.

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]]>By: anonhttp://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/04/24/how-to-stop-junk-mail-in-its-tracks/comment-page-1/#comment-129232
anonFri, 25 Apr 2008 01:23:10 +0000http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=1763#comment-129232Greendimes is great. They really do all the work for you.You can list (I think) up to 5 names per household. If you find you've reappeared on a mailing list, you log in and relist the catalog/whatever. Simple.
We're down to "junk" mail from professional affiliations and academic institutions we've attended. Can't figure out what to do with them.Greendimes is great. They really do all the work for you.You can list (I think) up to 5 names per household. If you find you’ve reappeared on a mailing list, you log in and relist the catalog/whatever. Simple.
We’re down to “junk” mail from professional affiliations and academic institutions we’ve attended. Can’t figure out what to do with them.

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]]>By: sallyhttp://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/04/24/how-to-stop-junk-mail-in-its-tracks/comment-page-1/#comment-129219
sallyThu, 24 Apr 2008 23:32:32 +0000http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=1763#comment-129219<div class="greatcomment">
I used to do a few direct mail projects at my job every year and can report that in my experience, sending your business reply envelope back with a bunch of heavy crap in it is totally ineffective. When I got things like that back, I just thought it was pathetic of the person who did it. Those who responded with a note to be removed from the mailing list got the job done. (I cannot speak for what other firms will do when you make this request, but the people I know in the industry respect it.) Anonymous "revenge" tactics may make you feel better but will not stop the mail from coming.
</div>
I used to do a few direct mail projects at my job every year and can report that in my experience, sending your business reply envelope back with a bunch of heavy crap in it is totally ineffective. When I got things like that back, I just thought it was pathetic of the person who did it. Those who responded with a note to be removed from the mailing list got the job done. (I cannot speak for what other firms will do when you make this request, but the people I know in the industry respect it.) Anonymous “revenge” tactics may make you feel better but will not stop the mail from coming.

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]]>By: Danielhttp://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/04/24/how-to-stop-junk-mail-in-its-tracks/comment-page-1/#comment-129213
DanielThu, 24 Apr 2008 22:27:10 +0000http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=1763#comment-129213@jd (39) - that sure seems to be the case. I was off all the junkmail and credit card lists, then I moved and submitted a USPS change of address form. Within a few months I was getting credit card offers and junkmail again.@jd (39) – that sure seems to be the case. I was off all the junkmail and credit card lists, then I moved and submitted a USPS change of address form. Within a few months I was getting credit card offers and junkmail again.

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]]>By: Suziehttp://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/04/24/how-to-stop-junk-mail-in-its-tracks/comment-page-1/#comment-129204
SuzieThu, 24 Apr 2008 20:20:29 +0000http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=1763#comment-129204@djc
I totally agree with Mike, that's def. not cool that they would stuff your box with the fliers and then leave your 'real' mail out in the open for thieves to grab. That's exactly how your identity can be stolen.
Regarding opting out of the coupons and circulars, ProQuo does have several of them on their site which you can opt out of such as ValPak, the PennySaver, Red Plum (formerly ShopWise, etc. You might want to give ProQuo a try, its free so it can't hurt!@djc

I totally agree with Mike, that’s def. not cool that they would stuff your box with the fliers and then leave your ‘real’ mail out in the open for thieves to grab. That’s exactly how your identity can be stolen.

Regarding opting out of the coupons and circulars, ProQuo does have several of them on their site which you can opt out of such as ValPak, the PennySaver, Red Plum (formerly ShopWise, etc. You might want to give ProQuo a try, its free so it can’t hurt!

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]]>By: Mikehttp://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/04/24/how-to-stop-junk-mail-in-its-tracks/comment-page-1/#comment-129202
MikeThu, 24 Apr 2008 20:05:07 +0000http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=1763#comment-129202@djc
I would phone the post office and complain about the carrier just leaving regular mail in the open. Bank/CC statements out in the open not locked in your mailbox while the fliers and spam are? The postal service has to be violating some sort of privacy law on that one?@djc

I would phone the post office and complain about the carrier just leaving regular mail in the open. Bank/CC statements out in the open not locked in your mailbox while the fliers and spam are? The postal service has to be violating some sort of privacy law on that one?

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]]>By: jdhttp://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/04/24/how-to-stop-junk-mail-in-its-tracks/comment-page-1/#comment-129198
jdThu, 24 Apr 2008 19:52:53 +0000http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=1763#comment-129198Don't use the USPS Mover Kits. From what I understand they market the new address information.Don’t use the USPS Mover Kits. From what I understand they market the new address information.

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]]>By: jdhttp://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/04/24/how-to-stop-junk-mail-in-its-tracks/comment-page-1/#comment-129197
jdThu, 24 Apr 2008 19:51:17 +0000http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=1763#comment-129197Go to http://www.junkbuster.com/index.html, take the junk mail link, then to 'opt-out', follow the instructions on creating the letters, and mail them.
In about 90 days most of the junk will dry up.
It's worth the book of stamps and envelopes to regain control.Go to http://www.junkbuster.com/index.html, take the junk mail link, then to ‘opt-out’, follow the instructions on creating the letters, and mail them.

In about 90 days most of the junk will dry up.

It’s worth the book of stamps and envelopes to regain control.

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]]>By: djchttp://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/04/24/how-to-stop-junk-mail-in-its-tracks/comment-page-1/#comment-129195
djcThu, 24 Apr 2008 19:12:25 +0000http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=1763#comment-129195I would also like to know how to stop the grocery store flyers - they are only addressed to "Resident" and don't have a contact address on them. Some days my lockable mailbox is stuffed full of them and the legitimate mail gets left right on top of the stack, where an unscrupulous person could reach in and take them.I would also like to know how to stop the grocery store flyers – they are only addressed to “Resident” and don’t have a contact address on them. Some days my lockable mailbox is stuffed full of them and the legitimate mail gets left right on top of the stack, where an unscrupulous person could reach in and take them.

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]]>By: Annehttp://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/04/24/how-to-stop-junk-mail-in-its-tracks/comment-page-1/#comment-129194
AnneThu, 24 Apr 2008 19:08:41 +0000http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=1763#comment-129194@leigh and Daniel - if you're talking about the newsprint circulars, usually containing a few grocery store circulars and some coupons, I was able to unsubscribe by calling the number listed in teeny tiny print on the back of the paper. It worked, but I still get my neighbor's copy occasionally because the mail carrier just throws them in the mailbox without looking at the unit number.@leigh and Daniel – if you’re talking about the newsprint circulars, usually containing a few grocery store circulars and some coupons, I was able to unsubscribe by calling the number listed in teeny tiny print on the back of the paper. It worked, but I still get my neighbor’s copy occasionally because the mail carrier just throws them in the mailbox without looking at the unit number.

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]]>By: Bill Laboonhttp://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/04/24/how-to-stop-junk-mail-in-its-tracks/comment-page-1/#comment-129193
Bill LaboonThu, 24 Apr 2008 19:00:26 +0000http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=1763#comment-129193That OptOut Prescreen site REALLY looks like a phishing site. I wonder if the mailing companies did that on purpose to make sure that not many people would sign up?
@Philip
What's not frugal about jail? Rent out your house while you're gone, and the government pays for your food and lodging. =) Meanwhile, your investments are all compounding annually!That OptOut Prescreen site REALLY looks like a phishing site. I wonder if the mailing companies did that on purpose to make sure that not many people would sign up?

@Philip
What’s not frugal about jail? Rent out your house while you’re gone, and the government pays for your food and lodging. =) Meanwhile, your investments are all compounding annually!

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]]>By: Philiphttp://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/04/24/how-to-stop-junk-mail-in-its-tracks/comment-page-1/#comment-129192
PhilipThu, 24 Apr 2008 18:53:30 +0000http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=1763#comment-129192@John Egan
Be careful trying to redirect a letter, that sounds very close to mail fraud. Going to jail would NOT be frugal!@John Egan
Be careful trying to redirect a letter, that sounds very close to mail fraud. Going to jail would NOT be frugal!

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]]>By: Lindsayhttp://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/04/24/how-to-stop-junk-mail-in-its-tracks/comment-page-1/#comment-129190
LindsayThu, 24 Apr 2008 18:13:05 +0000http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=1763#comment-129190I signed up for GreenDimes and it was great. Within 3 weeks I stopped receiving offers for things, and virtually no junk mail gets to me now. I think its worth it, they only charge I got was for the service, and I like that they plant trees.I signed up for GreenDimes and it was great. Within 3 weeks I stopped receiving offers for things, and virtually no junk mail gets to me now. I think its worth it, they only charge I got was for the service, and I like that they plant trees.

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]]>By: Jimhttp://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/04/24/how-to-stop-junk-mail-in-its-tracks/comment-page-1/#comment-129186
JimThu, 24 Apr 2008 17:30:27 +0000http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=1763#comment-129186<div class="greatcomment">
I've used the national Do Not Call registry and the Optout prescreen, both with great success.
For people who have moved or are moving and concerned with credit cards or card offers going to the wrong address, you can do a change of address request with USPS online:
https://moversguide.usps.com/
Jim
</div>
I’ve used the national Do Not Call registry and the Optout prescreen, both with great success.

For people who have moved or are moving and concerned with credit cards or card offers going to the wrong address, you can do a change of address request with USPS online:https://moversguide.usps.com/

Jim

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]]>By: John Eganhttp://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/04/24/how-to-stop-junk-mail-in-its-tracks/comment-page-1/#comment-129185
John EganThu, 24 Apr 2008 17:26:33 +0000http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=1763#comment-129185Well... During a period a few years back, I began wrapping the information they sent around a big handful of gravel ... And then putting it back in their return mailer and sending it back.. They get billed by the weight at the post-office.. If everyone did this, they'd soon stop.. Presently, they get the business discount (cheaper than the price you or I pay) for mail..I really tried to get all my friends and family to join in, but they're just a bunch of party-poopers!
One of my friends did suggest using the enclosed mailers with a gummy label re-directing it to an address of your choice, thereby using their envelopes for your own mail, but this won't work according to another friend in the post-office.
Don't suppose we'd like to start a movement???
Thx jegan ;-)Well… During a period a few years back, I began wrapping the information they sent around a big handful of gravel … And then putting it back in their return mailer and sending it back.. They get billed by the weight at the post-office.. If everyone did this, they’d soon stop.. Presently, they get the business discount (cheaper than the price you or I pay) for mail..I really tried to get all my friends and family to join in, but they’re just a bunch of party-poopers!

One of my friends did suggest using the enclosed mailers with a gummy label re-directing it to an address of your choice, thereby using their envelopes for your own mail, but this won’t work according to another friend in the post-office.

Don’t suppose we’d like to start a movement???

Thx jegan

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]]>By: Suziehttp://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/04/24/how-to-stop-junk-mail-in-its-tracks/comment-page-1/#comment-129184
SuzieThu, 24 Apr 2008 17:19:25 +0000http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=1763#comment-129184There's another service no one has mentioned yet, ProQuo.com. It is similar to GreenDimes except that its absolutely free! What's really cool about ProQuo is that it lets you choose what you want and stop what you don't want. You can stop the pre-approved credit card offers but keep the ValPak. You can choose stop receiving the Lands End catalog but start receiving Victoria's Secret. Plus you can enter multiple names and addresses under one registration so you can add your previous address or add the name of a previous resident.There’s another service no one has mentioned yet, ProQuo.com. It is similar to GreenDimes except that its absolutely free! What’s really cool about ProQuo is that it lets you choose what you want and stop what you don’t want. You can stop the pre-approved credit card offers but keep the ValPak. You can choose stop receiving the Lands End catalog but start receiving Victoria’s Secret. Plus you can enter multiple names and addresses under one registration so you can add your previous address or add the name of a previous resident.